Cllr Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig has hit back at a fellow councillor after he called for a boycott of an Irish water briefing session next week.
He said that the use of the word ‘warped’ in relation to him by Councillor Jack Murray of Sinn Fein was very unfortunate
He said, “I think it is very unfortunate and disappointing that Sinn Féin Councillor Jack Murray has used a word with such strong connotations for mental health and I am sure that given the opportunity he would be willing to apologise.
“I understand that regrettable things can be said in the heat of the moment when under pressure, where the implications have not been thought through. I also understand that Jack, like other Sinn Fein councillors, have been coming under huge pressure because of their failure to back what the majority of people, and I believe what a majority of Sinn Fein voters want, which is a complete boycott of Irish Water and their charges.”
He added that Sinn Fein’s position cannot have been helped when their party leadership undermined them and declared they were paying water charges.
“So I understand that he is feeling the pressure, but rather than lash out in this manner at those who are actively building the boycott, he should instead come and talk to us and better still, support what we are trying to do.”
“My position has been completely clear and consistent. I have continued to call for a policy of non-engagement with Irish Water, for people not to return their Application Packs and not going to this briefing session is supporting that policy of non-engagement. In any event, this meeting will be too short and will involve too many councillors from too many areas to be of any practical use. It is simply a piece of PR spin.”
“On every platform I have spoken at in recent weeks there has been overwhelming support for the boycott call. The momentum has been building into an unstoppable force as the people have decided that water charges are unfair and they will not pay. I am urging everyone to come on the various protests on November 1st and ensure there is a massive call for a boycott which will be heard in Dublin.”